Mountain Biking w/ the GoPro Hero 7 Black | The Ultimate Helmet Action Camera? | No More Gimbal! 4K

[@jessicaweaver6728]

*Had a rough start, **do7.pl/gGoPro1** package had no instructions in it, connecting to the phone was full of hickups, but overall so far its got more features and functionality than I could ask for and is quite a step above previous gopros. 4.5 stars isn't a rating so rounding up.*

[@B1KER]

That looks good dude. I'm pretty impressed. Knowing how much you don't like the gimbal I can see how you'd dump the gimbal setup. Digging the new tarp in the background at the beginning.

[@jctrails]

B1KER I still have some work on the Hero 7 setup, but hopefully I can substitute some the gimbal shots with it. Yeah it's a pretty dope banner my local shop made it for me.

[@kobeshepard9776]

Pro tip : watch series on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@nehemiahjudah2009]

@Kobe Shepard definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :D

[@BackyardShredder]

Best demonstration I’ve seen yet.

[@jctrails]

Backyard Shredder thanks bro!

[@DirtWireTV]

Sweet! I think you're the first person on KZbin to try the 7 on actual MTB trails. Plenty of people rollerblading and riding around in golf carts, touting the stabilization, but this is legit. Thanks!

[@jctrails]

DirtWireTV I’m here for you brotha!

[@nigelfox6683]

My good lady wife picked me a 7 Black out for Christmas and im currently collecting the various mounts - chesty, handlebar, shorty for those arty fly bys... to go with it. I like that the camera has enough stablisation that you can actually watch the footage but a tiny amount of shake that it looks real and you get a sense of the terrain and gradiant etc. I think those qualities and realisms are lost sometimes with gimbal footage. Plus lets face it, its more cost effective to get into now and less to break! Thanks for the review and content... nice work and thanks also for sharing your settings and experience using different options.

[@jctrails]

Thanks Nigel! I find myself just using the hero 7 and leaving the gimbal at home.

[@dank3823]

Good video. First review I've seen on the 7. Very impressive. Looks like the best gopro ever.

[@jctrails]

Dan K I think it's only going to get better with firmware updates.

[@FloridaTrailrider]

Woohoo! That's good footage JC! I like how it doesn't completely flatten everything like the gimble does. Nice.

[@jctrails]

I'm still getting it dialed too! It's only going to get better.

[@TrailBreaker]

Thanks for doing this comparison. I just killed my Evo SS for the last time from sweating on it, WTF? Terrible design for MTB. Just got my 7Black and can’t wait to test it on the bike. Almost healed up from a bad crash last month but messing around with it seems promising. 👊🏻👍🏻

[@jctrails]

Trail Breaker sending healing vibes to ya. Here is a video with the Hero 7 mounted on my chest 4K/24fps/stabilization on kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHu5nYqlfZx0hJo

[@jctrails]

Trail Breaker I think it would look better with 30fps

[@Jim_Allocco]

James - This is becoming one of my favorite MTB channels!!! Regarding the camera: 1) Great quality of video. 2) Great video stabilization. 3) Good audio. However the helmet mounting is not my favorite, I like the POV where I can see the cockpit of the bike. Every time you move your head, the whole camera angle changes. Other than that great camera and great video!!!!!

[@jctrails]

Thanks Jim!

[@mikeyin19]

Chin mount is the way to go

[@jctrails]

mikeyin19 yeah McTrail Rider has it dialed

[@TrailFeatures]

Man those trails looked awesome. Bummed I couldn't make it out! I think that the hero 7 Black really needs a lot of like for it to work well. Still wish they could tweak the audio just a little more, but it's getting better!

[@jctrails]

Trail Features this camera will be great to use during race runs (helmet cam) and during wet rides. I still have more tinkering to do with the Hero 7 to make it more enjoyable to watch. I’ll be back to DEN soon and we will get that ride in.

[@JoePalumbo221]

Really want to see how it looks from the chest mount. But looks encouraging.

[@jctrails]

Joe Palumbo221 I'll put that in another video.

[@ToogyHowser]

Footage & audio looks great! I'm really impressed and thinking I might get one soon! Gimbals are a pain in the a##! I'm not a big fan of the helmet mount POV though to be honest, still think chest mount is way better and more immersive.

[@jctrails]

Toogy Howser MTB I'm going to try different angles to make it more immersive.

[@RealMJSr]

Helmet cam is ok if you get the bars in the shot. I prefer it because you see what the cyclist sees instead of being stuck in front with the gimbal or chest.

[@MTBFlowRider]

Wow. Really impressed with the audio and stabilization. This would be the perfect camera for filming a race run. Might have to pick one up!

[@jctrails]

Once I get the helmet cam angle dialed it’s going to be sick!

[@silverfox0072]

This is a fantastic video! The quality was exceptional both in sound and video quality. Superview will add a nice touch for sure. Can I ask what brand and where you bought those shades at the end of the vid? I need those lenses!

[@evanbailey9777]

You mentioned that if sweat gets in the EVO it is shot. That is what just happened to me! On my 2nd ride! I had no idea it could not handle a little bit of sweat. Did they deny the warranty?

[@jctrails]

Hey Evan if it’s still under the 1 year warranty they will fix it or replace it. Give Evo a call their customer service is pretty good.

[@evanbailey9777]

@@jctrails Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately that didn't happen initially. They first said it wasn't water resistant and I had voided the warranty so if I wanted it fixed, it would cost $110 to get it back. I went back and forth with them and finally they agreed to fix it this one time but still claim it is water resistant. Unfortunately now I'm afraid to use it because if I sweat on it again, it is toast. Not impressed with them. May have to go the Hero 7 route or waterproof gimbal. Thanks

[@jctrails]

Evan Bailey that stinks. Rumor has it they are coming out with a water resistant gimbal.

[@evanbailey9777]

@@jctrails Oh really!? Oh ok. That makes sense though. I bet it will look a lot like the Zhiyun Evo2 that is coming out :-)

[@TrailBreaker]

Evan Bailey Diitto! Returned within the warranty and they denied because they said there was debris inside (probably dust from trails) but sweat was the issue for sure. Offered me a refurbished model for $135. Why would I buy something at any price knowing it will fail. Ditching the gimbal and now have the 7Black.

[@dckites]

Good stabilization! Would it be possible to do a test on the helmet but turn the view angle a little up? Right now is ponting a little low, like trying to place the rider you are following in the middle of the frame .

[@jctrails]

Bruno Garcia if I put the camera in superview it should take care of that.

[@dckites]

That is correct but it distorts the general view (too fisheye ) but that depends on the user, I would like to find a happy medium to show more of the landscape also.

[@ollydickinson2196]

Looks great, love the mounting angle too! Might have to get one for Christmas!

[@jctrails]

MTB Stuff why wait get one now!

[@ollydickinson2196]

Good point, birthday this month... ;)

[@ryangoesoutside]

Wow, super fun looking trails!

[@ONABICY]

Looks great man!!!!

[@jctrails]

OnaBicy it's only going to get better!

[@danielcollazo3622]

That looked really good. Try it on the chesty to see if it stays as smooth as it did on the head mount.

[@jctrails]

That will be next.

[@GetOutadventure]

Stabilization looks awesome! I need that! Good vid.

[@jctrails]

Thanks Cletus I recommend it.

[@gorillahd9247]

Great video and fantastic trail footage. I just found your channel - subbed! I currently have the Hero 5 Black and I plan to add the Hero 7 Black to my gear so I can run multiple camera angles at once. The stabilization of the 7 is truly impressive. You helped make up my mind about the purchase. It should work well for my Jeep, mountain bike and Harleys. Thanks again and ride safe. Scott

[@jasontoth7965]

I think it looks amazing and sounds great, also a lot more natural than a gimbal which is nice

[@jctrails]

Jason Toth sweet I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@MTBPlanB]

Interested in seeing how it does on chest mount. I think the head tends to be a good shock absorber.

[@jctrails]

The head does act like a gimbal, I'm working on the chest vid now.

[@mikebuerger]

Heck, the audio sounded good to me! With no visor-rub-noise, tilt up a tad, and superview, it would be almost perfect, imo. Thanks for the vid, man. 🤘

[@jctrails]

mike buerger still getting that shot perfected.

[@effie2206]

Thanks for the video, was waiting for someone to take the Hero 7 on a mountain bike ride. Not a gimbal, but definitely a usable footage and acceptable audio.

[@jctrails]

Effie Lever no problem.

[@TommyHuynh]

Great video but I suggest you try the Sony FDR X3000. I also do mountain bike videos and switched from GoPro to Sony about 1 1/2 years ago and have no regrets. I never wore the gimbal because I move around my bike too much so my GoPro footage was always so bad. The Sony has better picture quality, better sound and much better image stabilizer. The GoPro uses electronic/digital image stabilization where as the Sony is the only action camera that has an optical stabilizer. It's basically a floating lens. When you pause or do slow mo with digital stabilization you will notice that poles or trees that should be straight are warped in order to make the picture look steady. The GoPro 7 is definitely their best GoPro to date but I still think the Sony is the best action camera for mountain biking.

[@jctrails]

Tommy Huynh I use to have the Sony and I loved it, but the form factor made it difficult to mount. I'm hoping Sony will create a camera with a better shape. I love your helmet footage!

[@TommyHuynh]

@@jctrails yes I completely agree, I wished the Sony was shaped like the GoPro. I mount it under my visor on my full face helmets and fits perfectly but never fit on my half shell visors so I bought a Fox Proframe helmet for my pedal days.

[@JFRides]

The footie cam out great without using a gimbal. It will be interesting to see how the superview mode footage looks.

[@jctrails]

JF Rides like you said James the superview will get the bars in the shot. Making it mo better!

[@mattz28si]

Nice video! Were you using any kind of wind screen?

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

I really like the set up, Like I said before this could be the game changer for a lot of us. I really never like the thought of the gimbal. So the Hero 7 is another step in the right for me. Have you thought about checking out the SJCAM 7 also?

[@jctrails]

Only The Bold Project nope I have not check it out. I’ll take a look.

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

I think the audio is pretty good and the stabilization works great. The only thing I noticed is that a persons head moves more than their chest, so we can see when you look around etc. which is not a bad thing it's just something different from the chest mount.

[@jctrails]

I agree with you Joshua

[@mtbboy1993]

but it shows how a rider looks at the trail, so quite realistic view,so this also allows to shoot things off the trail, easier, so if you see something interesting you can easily capture it, so a big plus.

[@user-pf7sq9iz6f]

i never see any reviews on the hero7 silver, is that worth buying without a gimbal

[@jctrails]

Smash Games the silver is comparable to the hero 6 black. I would save up the extra $100 and get the 7 black

[@Wizler71]

I think only the 7 black provides the new digital stabilization.

[@chriswest579]

Footage was very good

[@jctrails]

Chris West it's only going to get better!

[@roryjames2690]

Hey from Australia JC! Firstly I love all your videos mate, you are one of the few You Tubers inspiring me to ride. You have awesome variety in content and how you include the family is rad. I'm just loving what you are doing keep it all coming. Love this footage of the Hero 7 it is a camera you could just get by with if you had to as stabilization is amazing and sound quality is as good as the 4 to me. Iove how it doesn't flatten out the footage as much on the helmet mount. In my opinion though, don't give on the chest mount just yet. The chest adds a better immersive feel to your ride like the viewer is there. Could the Hero 7 replace the gimble on your chest? Keep up the great content! 👍

[@jctrails]

Thanks Rory. It's a little shaky mounted to my chest but it's watchable for short clips.

[@roryjames2690]

@@jctrails Keep up the great vids mate. Love your content. 🤘

[@Getoutside2day]

The gopro7 looks legit

[@jctrails]

Crosstrek MTB I think so too.

[@frasersandilands6014]

Do you ever have issues with the weight of the camera pulling your helmet forward

[@BrianVaughn]

Hows the weight on the helmet? I've worn them on my ski helmet and noticed the weight. Wearing on the visor doesn't interfere with your vision?

[@jctrails]

Brian it's tucked up in there so I don't even see it. I do notice the weight a little bit but I prefer the weight on my head than being choked out by the chesty.

[@mtbboy1993]

you will eventually get used to it, I wear a 1100G helmet, which is feather light to me now, but barely noticed it in the first place, but a camera would be nothing, unless it's a DSLR, then I would notice it. I currently use Hero 4 session, but the hero 7 won't be much more in weight.

[@Rockphill]

Why when he goes fast picture “fray”? And when there is all the rules. although I saw other footages where the picture did not “crumble” even at high speed.

[@RealMJSr]

Looks good, mine is on order with the trade up program, they’re taking forever to ship.

[@jctrails]

299 for a sick camera 👍🏼

[@BAYERACUDA]

Rest easy, I did the trade up deal too. My cam arrived yesterday! I agree, $299 for this thing is going to be great. Sure not quite gimbal steady, but much more convenient. "Choked out by the Chesty" lol. Quote of the day!

[@BikingBadwithTC]

Close to pulling the trigger on 7 but not yet fully convinced it can match the quality you get with a gimbal. If only there’s a way for existing GoPro customers to try out the latest model before buying....the product should sell itself!

[@jctrails]

Biking Bad with TC that would be cool

[@mannyfnsc29]

Prefer it on a chest mount over the helmet.. It'd be cool if you could try it on your hip and arm.. You'd definitely be the first to test it like that. Thanks for the video.

[@toot6325]

I know this is well too late, but what did you use for stabalization?

[@kenny_kaos]

looks pretty good to me

[@jctrails]

Kenny Fetsurka I think so too.

[@bluescoob07]

where did you get your adhesive mount? I have the same helmet and the ones that came with the gopro are to big to fit under the visor

[@therealcarterhansen]

Great video man! I think the footage is totally killer. Definitely not apples to apples with a gimbal, but personally I prefer to have that slight natural motion over none at all (gimbal). Thanks for sharing!

[@jctrails]

Thanks Carter!

[@mikerbwind]

The stabilisation is great and the audio absolutely fine..impressed with both. I would question the res/fps setting though. Using a higher fps..60 fps.... gives much better clarity and a 4:3 format instead of 16:9 would give more coverage of what is important...ie being a ble to see the bars/front wheel and the trail ahead. Superview will not help....what is happening on the extreme sides of the shot are not important or interesting! Personally I would use 2.7 at 60 fps 4:3. I don't understand your rotune settings. Most people leave the Colour profile as Gopro and limit the ISO max to 400. Your footage as is definitely needs some grading to add some contrast and saturation. Nice riding though mate.

[@jctrails]

mikerbwind I will give it a try. Thanks

[@iamsmashy]

for sure better. ditch the squeaking and use the wider setting like you said and youre gold

[@jctrails]

Smashy 👍🏼

[@mtbboy1993]

one of the best thing about this camera is it can do 4k 60fps in wide, I notice if the fps is low, so I go for high fps like 60, I notice 24 or 30 fps, really noticeable for me, and I can tell if it's 24 or 30 or 60 fps. I don't see the need for super view, IMO no fisheye would be nice, I always remove fisheye afterwards, but even after doing so I still see some distortion. I haven't researched after market lenses, I don't know how to swap lenses on the new 7 yet, but I know it was possible on Hero 4. helmet cam is stable cus it's on your head, which works as a gimbal to some extent, I could not use this camera angle due to my helmet, but I saw there is a aftermarket mounts I can get for Fox helmet, But I haven't tried it yet.

[@chumpmtb2554]

It's funny that you, VanCan and Daily all put out Hero 7 reviews on the same day.. The score so far. VanCan: On the fence, but positive JC: Pretty convinced DailyMTB: Hard No.. I like the stabilization and simplicity, but on a chest mount, you lose that cinematic panning in corners because it doesn't hold the horizon like a gimbal. I think racers will love it because it's compact and out of the way, audio is passable, and has far better vid quality over a Rylo. I'm guessing the H4 with a gimbal will remain the standard for the next year, but the H7 will be used for a lot of extra angles, live streaming (that's pretty cool), and helmet cam..

[@jctrails]

Chump MTB I'm felling quite optimistic about this 7, Josh had some technical difficulties with the camera but is going to give it another try. I think he will change his review once he gets it dialed. This camera will be my go to helmet cam/ race cam, I also have other plans to make it look more like a gimbal/GoPro 4. Stay tuned!

[@mtbboy1993]

DailyMTB tested it with chest mount not helmet cam, these can't be compared, cus the head works a gimbal, and shows what you look at all the time, a chest cam does not. but his video was great, it show cases the point of a gimbal.

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

Nice, I want to get one so I can see on film how friggin slow I am.

[@jctrails]

Joshua Ryan haha if you put it in super view it will make you look faster.

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

Nice, I'll definitely need that!

[@sigridw.8822]

Great test, thanks. A backpack mount like from Stuntman would be nice - is more favorable for women.😉

[@jctrails]

Sigrid W. I can't imagine being a women and wearing a chesty! Ugh!

[@sigridw.8822]

Yes, I totally agree. Because of that a backpack mount with the Hero7 would be interesting..

[@Spadluv]

My latest video is also a test while mountain biking. I'm wondering about your setttings, because mine doesn't allow SuperSmooth stabilization and SuperView at 4k. I get the best settings at 2.7k only (which is plenty).

[@jctrails]

LB Spadluv you have the hero 7?

[@Spadluv]

Yes check out the footage kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWlgq2bZtVqadE

[@mtbboy1993]

I did not know the Stuntman harness would be so uncomfortable, I haven't tried one yet. I don't mind some heat, I wear Poc DH pads which are warm & sweaty to wear. but the issue with harness, is I would have to take it off, to take off jacket or or put it on, so one more thing to worry about. So helmet cam is still my preferred setup, also more realistic to watch. I use side cam, but problem is I have camera at an angle and it's not level & helmet is shown, not a huge problem, at least I can show my local trails. But I want 4k60fps, so I might get the Hero 7, and I would have to get aftermarket mount to get the camera in the centre of the visor.

[@willbros1499]

When you get used to using the GoPro or Stuntman chesty, it's not too bad...UNTIL you go for a ride without it, and you realize how much it constricts your breathing. By the time you get it tightened up enough (I use nylon straps up top so the gimbal/camera don't tilt down on drops, jumps, etc.), it is uncomfortable. It's just a necessary evil if you want to get good footage. I just HATE doing it, and I am encouraged by some "chin cam" videos I've seen, because I wear full face all the time. That appears to be the best way to use the Hero 7 from the videos I've seen thus far. ANYTHING to get the camera in a spot that doesn't constrict breathing, is at least somewhat safe, and works reliably!

[@judsmtb2484]

I want a hero 7 so bad!

[@jctrails]

JUDS just buy it! 🤘🏼

[@judsmtb2484]

Definitely would if I wasn't a broke bloke! Haha

[@Antweak83]

Very good helmet cam.. not so much chesty..

[@jctrails]

Trail Weaks I agree

[@DiscoDancerNo1]

How did you get it mounted to your visor?

[@jctrails]

I used the GoPro adhesive mount that comes with the camera.

[@neilspye]

@@jctrails what helmet model are you wearing, giro...? Cheers! Loved the vid

[@jctrails]

neil pye Giro Montaro, my favorite helmet.

[@neilspye]

Thanks! @JCtrails how study is the visor with the weight of gopro and no centre screw? Still using this helmet for gopro? Thanks again

[@neilspye]

@JC Trails

[@junsalvador5174]

JC' ONE OF YOU WILL NOTICE EMMEDIATELY IS THE CLARITY OF THE VIDEO AND CATCHED EVERY ANGLE AND MOTIONS. THIS WAY MORE GREAT UPDATE OF GoPro Hero 7 AWESOME!!!! ENJOY BIKING.....

[@photographerjonathan]

doesn't the 7 have 60fps, and wouldn't that look even better.

[@jctrails]

photographerjonathan when shooting action shots I prefer 30fps. Has a more natural look to it.

[@tomprevost2477]

For me I think the go pro needs to be tilted up a bit more I want to see the horizon more rather than down at the trail.

[@Fresh2Salt]

Stabilization seems to work well. I'm just not a big fan of helmet cam footage. You have to be very conscious of not swiveling your head around too much. Also, when you look down to take on a feature the camera dips along with you loosing sight of your line. Just my .000000002 cents worth. As always, enjoyed the video overall.

[@jctrails]

Misfit Outdoors I agree with you. Superview would help with the dipping a little.

[@ПавелЗайдов]

sony for 4 years has such a camera the sound is better there and stabilization is not software but Balanced Optical SteadyShot. The only negative is no protection against water. called the Sony FDR-X3000.

[@jctrails]

павел зайдов I actually had a Sony X-3000 and I loved it but the form factor made it difficult to mount anywhere

[@ПавелЗайдов]

@@jctrails agree with you.

[@silasrauch9149]

Nice water bottle lmao I have the same one

[@jctrails]

Silas Rauch I'm guessing you raced the Landmine👊🏼

[@silasrauch9149]

Yep

[@josie60633]

no detail on helmet attachement, example many visors wont adjust this far

[@greym6436]

🤙🏽

[@jctrails]

🤘

[@bruin4937]

I think the video looks great. You don't need to use the gimbal anymore. And, anyway, a mountain biking video that's too smooth, I think, takes something away from the captured mountain biking experience; otherwise, you might as well have been riding on the roads.

[@garrettsmith8286]

So GoPro finally got what the Sony Action Cam has had for years?

[@jctrails]

Garrett Smith basically with a better form factor though.

[@garrettsmith8286]

Not sure what you mean by that. Can you elaborate a little?

[@terriswig493]

make it so you see more of you

[@jctrails]

Terri Swig once I put in superview mode it will get a shot of the bars.

[@CHOWIXCHANNEL]

👍🏻🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️

[@JustinTheDrummer-WDJJB]

Ok So it’s 2024 about to be 2025 so how are you Enjoying the Hero7 this year??

[@netrails6051]

Hey looks ok but hard to watch after a while. I guess I feel the hero 4 with the eve looks best. the helmet setup is a little weird and can't get that behind the seat feel. but love your channel check out mine! NE Trails MTB!!

[@jctrails]

NE Trails Mtb thanks! I’ll give it a watch.